Our weekly guide to food and entertainment goings-on in and around town includes the Main Street Summer SOULstice Festival, Anderson Paak at Night Market Thursdays at The Bungalow, DineLA Restaurant Week Deals and much more.
Anderson Paak at Night Market Thursdays at The Bungalow: This is a free event, open to the public for guests of all ages and pet-friendly. Families can also enjoy a kids’ play area with complimentary face painting, alongside various brand activations, celebrity appearances, and DJ performances. On Thursday, July 11, Grammy-winning artist Anderson Paak, aka DJ Pee Wee, will perform with his brand SelvaRey and AMASS’ Summer Water Rosé Pizzolato to support Paak’s charity, Paak House. Event runs every Thursday from 5–11pm through August 29. More info here.
SaMo Swim Center Family and Friends Splash Night: "What better way to celebrate than with an evening of family fun at the pool? Bring the whole family (and your friends) and dive into an unforgettable experience. We’ll provide pool floats and an inflatable obstacle course to add an extra element of excitement to your aquatic’s adventures. Plus indulge your sweet tooth with delicious treats provided for all attendees." Friday July 12, 4-7pm at 2225 16th St. Details here.
Main Street Summer Soulstice Festival: Main Street will again be closed to vehicular traffic and transform into a pedestrian plaza as the iconic Summer Soulstice returns on Saturday, July 13, 12-7pm. There is a full calendar of live music, vendors, beer garden, activities for kids & more. FREE. Would you like to know more?
GRLSWIRL SurfSkate Fest: "It’s time to celebrate inclusivity, female empowerment, and the love of skating." Get ready to shred, swirl, and dance as the global skate community comes together in for an epic day of Surf and SurfSkate competitions, and a 70s-themed dance party under the iconic Venice sign. Saturday, July 13, 8am-10pm, Windward Ave and Pacific Ave. More info here.
"Second Saturdays of Summer" Free Movie in the Park: Wilmont Neighborhood Coalition is hosting "free live music and movies" along with free popcorn and lemonade for kids, too. This month’s movie is Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone. Saturday July 13 at 8pm at Reed Park, 1133 7th St. Details here.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer with Matt Walsh -discussing her memoir, True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership and Everything in Between from trailblazing Michigan governor and rising Democratic star Gretchen Whitmer comes an unconventionally honest, personal, and funny account of her remarkable life and career. Monday, July 15, 8pm at New Roads School, 3131 Olympic Blvd. More info here.
Surf & Saddle: The Bungalow will host the new themed series Surf & Saddles each Wednesday from 9 to 11pm for a night of country music by the coast. Guests are encouraged to arrive in their best cowboy boots and hats and grab a signature cocktail from the bar for line dancing with the popular local DJ Pinke. Details here.
What to Eat & Drink?
DineLA Restaurant Week: This summer’s event runs July 12-26 with hundreds of local restaurants offering special lunch and dinner menus. Some SaMo offerings include high end spots like Citrin, Fia Steak, Via Veneto and more casual options like Bludo’s BBQ, Colapasta, and Uovo. Would you like to know more?
Melisse Anniversary Party: July 14 is both Bastille Day and the 25th anniversary of the day Mélisse first opened its doors in 1999. To commemorate, they’re hosting a grand cocktail party "filled with reminiscing, celebrating achievements, and connecting with many of the culinary artists who have been a part of the Mélisse journey and the greater Los Angeles dining scene." They are offering canapés by 18 chefs across LA, wine and cocktails available, a raffle to support Stop the Void, and more. $195. July 14, 5-7pm at 1104 Wilshire Blvd. More info here.
Where to Eat After Hitting The Beach: The Infatuation published this "beach-by-beach guide so you know exactly where to eat after your day in the sand." SaMo recommendations include Bludso’s BBQ, Big Dean’s, Vamos Vamos, Ghisallo, Cha Cha Chicken and more. Details here.
The Georgian Room made the Infatuation’s "Favorite Hidden Restaurants in the US" list: This Italian steakhouse in LA exudes Old Hollywood glamor, down to its secrecy. Located in the basement of The Georgian Hotel, you’ll have to buzz a mysterious doorbell and put a privacy sticker over your phone camera before you’re seated. And the moody space with red walls and black leather booths feels like you might bump into someone preparing for their audition in a Damien Chazelle movie. The menu is full of solid Italian food, with dishes like hazelnut-crusted lamb rack and oxtail ragu and a buttery New York strip steak. Start with one of the house martinis, and don’t leave until you hear the jazz singer crooning slowed-down renditions of Brittney Spears songs next to a vintage Steinway." 1415 Ocean Ave. More info here.
Looking Ahead: Dine LA Restaurant Week (7/12-26), National Night Out (8/6),Montana Ave. (8/24), Main St. Day of the Dog Festival (9/7)
If there’s something you think is worth highlighting around town, reach out to me at sean@smdp.com
